“Less expensive” iPhone rumor corroborated on both sides of the Pacific (Updated)

The device could come out in 2013, or it could be killed before going public.

The Wall Street Journal has thrown its hat into the ring on a rumor about a cheaper version of the iPhone. The paper cites "people briefed on the matter" who claim Apple is considering rolling out a more affordable iPhone made of "less expensive" parts, such as one with a polycarbonate shell. But as usual, Apple could reverse course on its plans despite the fact that the WSJ's sources indicate it could be released later this year.

The rumor popped up earlier on Tuesday in an article from DigiTimes. The Taiwanese paper said the low-cost iPhone is meant for China and other emerging markets and would be released in the second half of 2013. "Some sources claimed that they have seen the sample of the low-cost iPhone, which will come with a larger display, meeting the prevailing trend for the adoption of 5-inch displays for high-end models," DigiTimes wrote. "They added that the low-priced iPhone will also have a brand new exterior design."

Rumors that originate out of DigiTimes often spike our skept-o-meter, as the paper is not always reliable with its sourcing. However, the WSJ's corroboration of this same rumor raises some eyebrows—at a minimum, it shows that Apple is indeed at least thinking about this strategy to the point where multiple parties are involved. Whether the "less expensive" iPhone will actually come to light later this year is another story; if it does, it will mark a change in strategy for Apple, which typically makes a great effort to only offer one major version of its mobile devices for all markets.

Update: Bloomberg has now added its own sourcing to this rumor, claiming the phone will be between $99 and $149 when it's launched this year.